Preparing bees for auction

[Oscarmonster]

I am considering disposing of one spare colony in our local beekeeping auction on 29th march.
I have read the FERA leaflet on selling nucs as basic guidance.
Does anyone have any suggestions as how best to prepare them over the next month.

 

[VEG]

Disposing? Not the best word to use when trying to sell something it conjures up the wrong image

 

[Oscarmonster]

Thanks just the sort of advice I was after.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

A good grooming usually impresses the buyer - maybe i could interest you in one of my extra fine tortoiseshell bee combs? a snip at only £12.99 a piece. Remember to polish their hooves as well and get there early to allow plenty of time for the stewards to stick all the numbers on their little backsides

 

[Roola]

Is each bee sold as a separate lot?

 

[Oscarmonster]

What is this? Comedy night?

 

[local_beekeeper]

I am considering disposing of one spare colony in our local beekeeping auction on 29th march.
I have read the FERA leaflet on selling nucs as basic guidance.
Does anyone have any suggestions as how best to prepare them over the next month.

Contact your local Bee Inspector; check for disease.

 

[Oscarmonster]

He checked them in July and are checked again before the auction I believe.

 

[Pete D]

I have a few over wintered 6 frame nucs that I am selling and I imagine the prep will be the same although I am not working to a set date.
I won't be letting them go anywhere until I have done an initial check that they are viable and then a full inspection when the weather allows. They will go to their new homes when the have a minimum of 3 frames of bias and the capability to expand into a full brood box (dummies as appropriate).
I will obviously meet the new owners and want them to be pleased with their new bees and not have any comeback. I guess at auction this isn't really the case.
They should be a viable colony regardless so check soon as you get chance and maybe encourage brooding if you feel they need it to meet the deadline.

Good luck

 

[Oscarmonster]

Thanks. I guess I was mainly wondering whether to encourage brooding.

 

[domino]

A good grooming usually impresses the buyer - maybe i could interest you in one of my extra fine tortoiseshell bee combs? a snip at only £12.99 a piece. Remember to polish their hooves as well and get there early to allow plenty of time for the stewards to stick all the numbers on their little backsides

hehehe this made my chuckle over my coffee for a good few minutes this morning - well played

 

[susbees]

Adequate stores.

 

[pargyle]

A good grooming usually impresses the buyer - maybe i could interest you in one of my extra fine tortoiseshell bee combs? a snip at only £12.99 a piece. Remember to polish their hooves as well and get there early to allow plenty of time for the stewards to stick all the numbers on their little backsides

Are you discounting ? ... You charged me £15.99 for one last week ! And that hoof polish was just beeswax - I'm off to the office of fair trading if you don't change your ways !!

 

[Oscarmonster]

Are you discounting ? ... You charged me £15.99 for one last week ! And that hoof polish was just beeswax - I'm off to the office of fair trading if you don't change your ways !!

That's what you get when you deal with a company based in the arse end of nowhere.

 

[beeno]

Hi Oscarmonster.
I expect you do encourage brooding, as the whole point of buying an overwintered nuc is that all the bees in the box is from that queen. That's why a lot of nucs swarm so soon after newbie taking delivery! Take care!

 

[Dishmop]

A good grooming usually impresses the buyer - maybe i could interest you in one of my extra fine tortoiseshell bee combs? a snip at only £12.99 a piece. Remember to polish their hooves as well and get there early to allow plenty of time for the stewards to stick all the numbers on their little backsides

are those the tic combs that you couldnt sell on ebay.?

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Are you discounting ? ... You charged me £15.99 for one last week !

Ah, but i have three rates, and you qualified for the 'gullible level 2' when you announced you were the proud owner of a 'bee gym!!

 

[Roola]

Are you discounting ? ... You charged me £15.99 for one last week ! And that hoof polish was just beeswax - I'm off to the office of fair trading if you don't change your ways !!

I paid him in kind but he told me not to tell anyone.

 

[REDWOOD]

That's what you get when you deal with a company based in the arse end of nowhere.

Are you referring to gods country, you know the place which has arse neighbours

 

[pargyle]

Ah, but i have three rates, and you qualified for the 'gullible level 2' when you announced you were the proud owner of a 'bee gym!!

And after I bought the bee leg warmers and beotards from you as well .... conned again !